Page 6 of Afterglow
I grind my teeth before snatching the microphone and bringing it to my lips. Our voices sound terrible, echoing throughout Frankie’s Bar and back into my ears. Theodore and I are strangely in sync, alternating who sings the verses and joining together on the chorus and bridge.
I can’t remember the last time I smiled like this by myself, let alone with a boy. After my last relationship ended in disaster, I promised myself I would guard my heart with multiple layers of brick, that is reinforced by cement.
Enter Theodore Knight.
I also can’t believe he knows the lyrics to this song. He is full of surprises. Knight’s laughter is contagious, infecting me as we make our way back to our friends. It concerns me how easily Theodore has slipped through my defences. It’s only a matter of time before I succumb to his charms.
I have bad luck when it comes to boys and I don't want to spend freshman year nursing a broken heart all while striving for academic perfection.
Theodore’s blonde friend is listening to Athena, his eyes never straying from her, while Sofia is talking the other boy’s ear off.
“Are you two ready to go?” I ask my friends and newly acquired roommates.
The two girls nod their heads, while I turn to face Theodore. “Thanks for tonight, I had a lot of fun.”
“No problem, Princess. Do I still have a chance of getting your number?”
Why do I get the feeling this nickname is going to stick? Chasing after boys goes against my personal motto:chase dreams, not boys.However, from what I've seen of Theodore's pride and ego, he won't give up after being rejected.
I smile and lock eyes withKnight. “We’ll see,”
***
Athena and Sofia don’t stop hounding me with questions, even after we enter our apartment.
I expected it from Sofia, she is outgoing and the life of the party. When we met earlier today, she was more than happy to carry our conversations.
She told us about her dreams of becoming a fashion designer, wanting all her designs to be featured during Fashion Week around the world. Sofia also apologised in advance for the fabrics and sewing equipment that are already taking over our apartment.
Athena; however, is the complete opposite. She is introverted preferring the company of books or her journal. So, her being on Sofia’s team and asking me ridiculous questions is a surprise.
“Just looking at the two of you was melting my panties,” Sofia says.
My laughter bounces off the decorated walls of our living room. “Didn’t you know you had a voyeurism kink?”
Sofia rolls her eyes, while I use Athena to deflect. “You aren’t allowed to say anything because I saw you all cosy with Knight’s friend,”
Athena presses her hands against her face, covering the blush heating her cheeks. “He was flirting with me all night. I didn’t know what to say!”
Sofia and I laugh at her awkwardness.
“Trust me Athena, he couldn’t take his eyes off you.”
“Why?”
We laughed again. This girl is in for a big surprise this year. When Athena told us she had never been with a guy, I was shocked. I mean the girl is a perfect combination of hot and beautiful—long brown hair and a petite figure.
Every teenage boy’s dream.
“Don’t think you are getting out of this Jazmine. What is the deal with Mr Greek God?” Sofia says, a scowl never leaving her face.
“If you like his muscles so much, maybe you should date him.”
Sofia scoffs. “White boys do nothing for me girl, I have a type.”
I shake my head, denying my attraction to Theodore is the best course of action. He probably uses the same flirting act on every girl, I don’t want to become one of them. Besides, as I said, I am focusing on myself this year.
The past couple months were a relief after my intense final year of high school. I pushed myself to the very brink, overloading myself with classes. But all it did was leave me exhausted and burnt out.
